SOPWorking at Heights

Personnel & Materials Hoist

SOP-HOI-001

Part of (SWMS-HOI-001)

About this Document

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) document outlines safety measures for the erection, operation, and dismantling of personnel and materials hoists. It covers critical hazards such as falls from height, dropped objects, and structural failures, making it essential for workers in high-risk industries like construction and maintenance. Adhering to this SOP helps ensure compliance with legislation and promotes a safe working environment.

Hazards & Risks Covered

  • Fall from height during erection, operation, or dismantling – serious injury or fatality
  • Dropped objects from the hoist cage or during erection/dismantling – serious injury or fatality
  • Structural failure of the hoist mast or ties – collapse, fatality
  • Overloading the hoist cage – structural failure or rope failure
  • Persons being struck by the moving cage – serious injury or fatality
  • Entrapment in the hoist mechanism – crush injury
  • Failure of safety devices (e.g., overspeed governor) – uncontrolled descent

Legislation & Codes of Practice

  • Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and applicable state/territory WHS legislation
  • Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (Cth) – Part 5.1 High Risk Work Licences
  • AS 1418 series – Cranes, hoists and winches
  • AS 2550 series – Cranes – Safe use
  • Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace (2024)
  • Personnel and Materials Hoist Pre-Start Checklist (associated document)
  • Engineered Tie-Back Design (associated document)

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Legislation & Standards

  • Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cwlth)
  • State & Territory WHS Legislation
  • Safe Work Australia Guidelines

Disclaimer: All documents provided on this platform are templates and starting points only. They must be reviewed, adapted, and approved by the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) or facilitated by a designated WHS Manager, Site Supervisor, or Principal Contractor, before use at any specific worksite. Site-specific hazards, conditions, and legislative requirements may vary. Cornerstone SWMS accepts no liability for documents used without appropriate review and customisation.

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